Papal Thoughts

The end seems to be nearing for Pope John Paul II. I am not a Catholic, but Pope John Paul II has certainly changed the face of Catholicism. I think history will say that he is one of the more influential popes when all is said and done. Word is that his last rites ritual has or will shortly be performed.

American InJustice

My heart goes out to the parents of Terri Schiavo, whose daughter was murdered by the American Judicial system. Depriving a human of food and water is totally inhumane. Some would call it "cruel and unusual punishment." I believe there was evidence of brain activity from the photos I've seen. May God forgive us!

Pajama-Clad Students

I'm more and more disturbed by the increasing number of students I see coming to the library in their pajamas. Have we no dress code? If they came into my classroom in their PJs, I'd send them back to get dressed. I find it appalling that students are taking fashion pointers from Michael Jackson.

Kissing Cousins

All of us who have done a bit of research have come across instances of first cousins marrying one another. I've run across it once in a direct line and multiple times in collateral lines in my own family history. Here's a modern-day instance (and it's a mid-Atlantic state). (via Res Ipsa Loquitur)

Cannon Ball Removed from Plantation Home

The cannon ball was found in McLeod Plantation's main house in the attic. When the owners found their child playing with it, they decided to have authorities remove the ball. It will probably be returned after it has been deactivated.

Crafts Making a Comeback

As a crossstitcher, I love the increased participation in all forms of needlework! However, I will have to admit that as a faculty member of a college, I've noticed a rise in knitting and crocheting among some of the girls on campus.

Genealogy of Jesus

Tony Burroughs, a noted African-American genealogist, will be featured on Discovery Channel on March 27. I'm always a little worried whenever TV picks up anything pertaining to Christianity, so I'll reserve comment (and hopefully remember to watch the program).

Libraries in Cemeteries

Top 10 Reasons for Building a Library in a Cemetery. (via GenealogyBlog)

Terri Schiavo

I think it is absolutely criminal that she is being deprived of a "feeding tube." I read a blog yesterday (I can't remember which one) where the author reminded us that it might have been her husband's actions which resulted in her present state. I think those responsible for removing the feeding tube (husband, judge, etc.) should be held accountable for her murder. They will be at judgement day if not before then.

Amish Apple Dumplings

Chef Shane has a recipe that might be worthy of my Amish ancestry . . . Amish Apple Dumplings. I might have to try this some time.

Solution

Big Orange Michael offers gas stations a solution! I hope they listen!

Update: Expect higher prices, experts say.

I was just curious how many gallons are in a barrel to see if the price increases are actually justified. MSN Money reports:

A barrel of oil is 42 gallons, so every dollar increase in the cost of
crude pushes up pump prices by 2.4 cents.

Back

Spring break was in winter this year, and I wish it had been a little warmer. Now that I'm back, we've had snow two mornings (not much - and it melted quickly). It's too chilly for this time of the year (although I really don't mind cold weather). However, if it's going to be cold, I want a foot of snow.

I've been busy this week, so I haven't had time to blog here. I hope to be able to blog a bit more in the coming days.

Blogging Break

I'll be taking about a 10-12 day break from blogging. Sorry that I didn't line up a guest blogger!

Snow

ScrappleFace has an interesting take on the northeast snowstorm.